Estimados Gringos... Como están??!!!!
Me? Great. You know why? Because it finally stopped raining. That’s right; it rained for 8 days straight!!! However, it was perfect for my study time I had over the weekend. But, it turned out it was all in vain. I think I was missing some of the material, because the questions I was asked were nothing that I studied. But, don't worry, I had a nice chat with the Profe afterward and he told me his expectations of me are different than those of the regular students. The class was Geografia de la octava region (Geography of the 8th region) which is the region that Concepcion is in. I took the class to learn a bit about my new temporary home. Although, I'm not learning as much as I hoped because the class is only once a week and the professor is really old and has a hearing aid in one ear making him very difficult to understand. However, it isn't a total waste; I'm sharpening my ear, and have learned some tid bits too.
It just occurred to me that until now I have not said anything about my classes. Well, here goes then.
Monday: 9-11 Espanol para extranjeros (Spanish for gringos). This class has diminished from 8 of us to 2 and now seems to be held in the profe's office. We do worksheets and discuss Chilean culture. It’s not really a class to learn spanish, it’s more to practice writing and to learn to express yourself better.
6-8 Baile folklore (Chilean folk dancing) This class is really interesting and fun. We are learning to dance the cueca (Chile's national dance) along with many other traditional dances. Chile is large and diverse so there is a wide range in the culture. Some of the dance moves are kinda silly, but it’s neat anyway. The profe is also very nice and often lectures to the class the importance of preserving the culture.
Tuesday: 12-2 Geografia
5-6 Futbol Its pretty self explanatory. We usually do some drills in the beginning and then we play scrimmages. This is all inside a gym. As I said in the last post, the game is quite fast. Also, the boys are pretty darn competitive, and good players as well. Its fun and great exercise.
Wednesday: 8-9 Espanol
Thursday: 5-6 Futbol
Friday: 12-2 Hable con sus animales (Talk with your animals) That’s right. This class is kinda ridiculous, but what the hell. The profe talks about behavior and conduct and we watch videos about various animal things. Also, we are supposed to observe our pet for two hours a week. My pension has a dog, so every now and then I’ll sit outside and watch him sleep. At the end of the course we have to turn in a report on our pets’ behavior. Also, last Friday I had my first exam in that class, which was also the very first thing I have had to do for the class all semester. (The same was the case for the geography test.) I think it went fairly well considering I’m slowly refining my dog whispering in spanish.
So that’s my school deal. The semester ends on June 27 and the next semester starts August 4. Next semester will be more serious as I have to take a Chemistry class. Speaking of school, right now most all of the departments are either in 'paro' or in 'toma.' Paro is when the students don't go to class in protest. Toma is when the students take over the building and keep it occupied around the clock and don't let anyone enter... only the students from that department may enter. So, that little dream we have all had waking up at 8am going to class hoping that just maybe the prof wont show... yeah that is a common reality in my life. I usually don't have class.. At least not recently. Why? Because the departments are not giving as much scholarship money as they have in the past. Money for food, transportation and photocopies.
To help me pass the rain and the not having class, Clare came down from Vina del Mar to hang out for the last week. We bounced around the town, testing our raingear and being gringos. We did a little hiking, dancing, and living the pension life. It was fun to have her in the house because we could speak english around my roommates and they couldn't understand anything. Normally that would be rude, but they are my roommates and they like to fuck with me, so it was fun to fuck with them. Even the score a bit.
On Wednesday of this week, I went to a bar with two roommates (Clare left on Monday night) to watch the first game of the finals of the Chilean futbol league tournament. There are two games for the final, one at each team’s stadium. The contest is between Colo-Colo and Everton. As mentioned before, Colo-Colo is very popular. So, it was no surprise that the place was packed. The people were cheering and singing the whole time as if they were there. The fanship of futbol is quite amazing. Colo-Colo ended up winning and the people went nuts. We continued to party a bit more at a couple other bars before buying some vodka and going back to the house. We were drinking in my room where the night culminated with my bed being shattered and my light fixture being broken. All is better now. I'm just glad their team won.
Things of note coming up on the agenda is a little backpacking trip and then a jaunt through Peru and Bolivia during the break between semesters.
I hope to get some pictures up soon of all of the protest banners around campus and maybe steal some of Clare's from her visit down here. NOTE: if you have had trouble seeing the pictures, you need to click on the picture, which will then take you to the full album!
I hope you are all staying high and dry and loving the start to summer!
Abrazos y besos para todos!!!
Paz-
Dan
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Why the time flies..
Greetings.... Work with me on this one people, for I am 'functioning' on maybe double digits of sleep in three nights. For why, you ask? The short answer is because I'm crazy (but you already knew that) but the more specific answer follows.... On Tuesday night I pushed my way through a crowded bar to meet friends to watch a playoff game in the Chilean national 'futbol' league. The contest was between the U de Catolica and Colo-Colo. Colo-Colo is one of the two most popular teams in Chile, second to the U de Chile. Colo-Colo won the game and advanced, thus I avoided lots of pissed off Chileans. Later at a different bar I found myself in a conversation with an interesting 40 something bachelor. At one point in the conversation I was trying to explain to he and his friend that I enjoy playing futbol and that I'm OK, but the game they play here is different than that which I have played my whole life. Here, when people have 'pickup' games, they play baby futbol (futbol on a smaller scale.) However, it is not usually played on grass (I have yet to play on grass here.) It is played in a gym, on a tile roller hockey court, cement parking lot, or dirt (I haven't played on dirt, unfortunately.) I will save you more boring details, but the point is, the game is really fast and in a small space. So, having really good touches on the ball is important, and dominates the game. I have always had success in futbol not because I have good ball control, but because I'm a good athlete. So, my advantages lie in playing on a large grass field where my fitness and speed can set me apart. Not the case so much in baby futbol. So, I explained that I play soso, but I'm better on a large field. Well, the friend contested that it doesn't matter the size of the field, and that ball control always rules. I disagreed. The guy I was originally talking to defended me. And as a token of something, he proceeded to take off the soccer jersey he happened to be wearing, and gave it to me. I couldn't believe it. But he was serious and the thing is currently lying on my floor with all the rest of the clothes I have worn this week. (Shocking, I know, but they haven't cleaned my room in a few days. hm) Anyway, the jersey is from the U de Concepcion professional team. In fact, the jersey is an original that was used by the player whose name adorns the jersey in a game or season. Pretty fricking awesome! The night concluded with some chatting back at the house until the wee hours of the morning, and then I got up and went to class at 8am.
The following night (Weds) me and a few of my roomies and a couple bottles of pisco got together to play a board game. It is a drinking game where you roll the dice, move your piece, and do what the thing tells you to do. Usually drink. Anyway, some of the spaces are to make a 'rule' for the game which lasts until another player lands on that same type of space. 'Rules' can be things such as: you can't say anyone's name, or you have to drink only with your right hand. If you violate, you drink. Well, a good way into the game, I landed on that space. And as a joke I said, 'No speaking in spanish.' I was not serious, but the boys wanted to do it. The following 20 minutes were some of my happiest here in Chile. These boys don't speak english nor any other language. However, they know a tiny bit of english. Basically it was just one big mess of 'you mine give turn fuck' 'you fuck fuck' 'I go 4 fuck gringo fuck you gringo ass hole son bitch fuck.' You get the point. From now on when ever they give me shit about the way I speak in spanish, I'm just going to laugh.
The following night (thurs) I expected to be much more relaxed and hoped for a little extra sleep. I chatted online with some gringo friends until about 2:30am, and when I left my room to fetch some water, I encountered a roommate and a buddy of his having some drinks in the study lounge. They insisted I have a beer. Well, 4 beers and 4 hours later I finally went to bed. But in the mean time we had an extremely interesting conversation about the military dictatorship of Pinochet in Chile and how crazy and fucked up a time that was. They told me that there is maybe a handful of people in the world that know exactly what went on during those times, but they proceeded to explain to me things that are basically common knowledge. Such as, if you said anything against the government, you were killed of put in jail. (There are thousands or people that 'disappeared' during that time, and there is no trace of them at all) If you were perceived to be a 'communist' you could be prohibited from doing your job. For example, my roommates friend told me that his mom whom worked for a university and was somewhat outspoken against the dictatorship was pulled from her job, and not allowed to work in her profession because she was a 'communist.'
The dictatorship was a product of the cold war is what they told me. The US pumped money into all of the campaigns against Allende, which failed and then there was the military coup... Read books to learn more.
We then talked about the very interesting political situation in the states right now. I tried to explain that this election is quite important in our histroy not only because our economy is all messed up and we are fighting a stupid ass war in vain, but also because it is likely we will have a black man or a woman as the next president. They did not realize we had yet to have a black man as president. (Finally foreigners that know less US history than I!) But even if they don't win, it is unprecedented to have a woman or a black man (let alone both at the same time) so close to winning the general election bid. Not to mention how uncommonly tight the race is, bringing little no name states such as Montana into the mix with some importance.
Despite my lack of sleep, this week has been what I came to Chile for; to learn, grow and share. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to sleep until Sunday, the day I need to start studying for my three exams I have next week.
I hope you are all awesome and enjoying the spring.... Those in missoula, go play a round at Patty for me, would ya?
Paz!!!!!!
D
The following night (Weds) me and a few of my roomies and a couple bottles of pisco got together to play a board game. It is a drinking game where you roll the dice, move your piece, and do what the thing tells you to do. Usually drink. Anyway, some of the spaces are to make a 'rule' for the game which lasts until another player lands on that same type of space. 'Rules' can be things such as: you can't say anyone's name, or you have to drink only with your right hand. If you violate, you drink. Well, a good way into the game, I landed on that space. And as a joke I said, 'No speaking in spanish.' I was not serious, but the boys wanted to do it. The following 20 minutes were some of my happiest here in Chile. These boys don't speak english nor any other language. However, they know a tiny bit of english. Basically it was just one big mess of 'you mine give turn fuck' 'you fuck fuck' 'I go 4 fuck gringo fuck you gringo ass hole son bitch fuck.' You get the point. From now on when ever they give me shit about the way I speak in spanish, I'm just going to laugh.
The following night (thurs) I expected to be much more relaxed and hoped for a little extra sleep. I chatted online with some gringo friends until about 2:30am, and when I left my room to fetch some water, I encountered a roommate and a buddy of his having some drinks in the study lounge. They insisted I have a beer. Well, 4 beers and 4 hours later I finally went to bed. But in the mean time we had an extremely interesting conversation about the military dictatorship of Pinochet in Chile and how crazy and fucked up a time that was. They told me that there is maybe a handful of people in the world that know exactly what went on during those times, but they proceeded to explain to me things that are basically common knowledge. Such as, if you said anything against the government, you were killed of put in jail. (There are thousands or people that 'disappeared' during that time, and there is no trace of them at all) If you were perceived to be a 'communist' you could be prohibited from doing your job. For example, my roommates friend told me that his mom whom worked for a university and was somewhat outspoken against the dictatorship was pulled from her job, and not allowed to work in her profession because she was a 'communist.'
The dictatorship was a product of the cold war is what they told me. The US pumped money into all of the campaigns against Allende, which failed and then there was the military coup... Read books to learn more.
We then talked about the very interesting political situation in the states right now. I tried to explain that this election is quite important in our histroy not only because our economy is all messed up and we are fighting a stupid ass war in vain, but also because it is likely we will have a black man or a woman as the next president. They did not realize we had yet to have a black man as president. (Finally foreigners that know less US history than I!) But even if they don't win, it is unprecedented to have a woman or a black man (let alone both at the same time) so close to winning the general election bid. Not to mention how uncommonly tight the race is, bringing little no name states such as Montana into the mix with some importance.
Despite my lack of sleep, this week has been what I came to Chile for; to learn, grow and share. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to sleep until Sunday, the day I need to start studying for my three exams I have next week.
I hope you are all awesome and enjoying the spring.... Those in missoula, go play a round at Patty for me, would ya?
Paz!!!!!!
D
Monday, May 5, 2008
Un gran viaje
Hola los de Friolandia....
I decided to 'aprovechar' the long weekend we just had in observance of Labor Day. And when I say take advantage of, I mean it. We had school off this past Thursday and Friday, so I decided to leave on my vacation two Tuesdays prior. For those I just confused, we didn't have school the 1st and 2nd and I left on the 22nd of April.
First stop was Viña del Mar to visit the girls that accompanied me to Argentina about a month ago. Due to Clare's (my friend from Montana) high tolerance and her landlord’s generosity, I was able to stay with her for free.
When I arrived, Clare took me to the local farmers market to buy food for the week. I was a bit overwhelmed in the beginning, but ended up leaving with bundles of fresh fruit and vegetables without much money spent. I was then introduced to the Viña lifestyle as we proceeded to drink wine and watch the sun set over the pacific. Clare lives atop a hill in Viña with an amazing view of the ocean and the city below. Before the jealousy of her lifestyle could set in, we were off to a discotech in Valparaiso. Valparaiso is an important port city in Chile. It has very cool architecture using the whole rainbow of colors. It is built on the side of a hill like San Francisco and shares the same kinds of vibes. This night we did not explore much of Valparaiso, but I got a better introduction a few days later.
Viña del Mar is a touristy city that hugs the Pacific Ocean. In the summer, it is filled with people from all over the world. Although there were not many tourists while I was there (out of season) it was very evident that the town caters to them. McDonalds, the mall and other things gringo were seen everywhere.
I must note that for each city I have spent time in here in Chile, the experience has sorta been defined by the type of transportation utilized. For example, in Concepcion, I walk almost everywhere. I have only ridden the bus one time and a colectivo two times. In Viña it was defined by riding in colectivos. (Colectivos are like taxis but they follow a certain route.) We also rode some micros, but due to where Clare lives, high up on the hill, it’s either walking or taking a colectivo. It was an adventure getting around when I was alone in Viña. For example, one night Clare stayed in and I went out parting with Laura (the other friend that went to Argentina.) At the end of the night and probably a little too much pisco drank, I found myself jogging down the side walk in Viña until I happened across the necessary colectivo…
Viña was super fun and I was hosted excellently.
The next stop was Santiago. I arrived on Monday the 28th. I have two Chilean friends whom studied at the UM last year. I again was lucky to stay with one of them for free. I had originally planned on staying in Santiago for only a couple of days and then head to Argentina, but for a combination of reasons that did not happen. However, my friends showed me a great time. One night, we went to the house of my friend Paulo's cousin for a BBQ and party. Much to my surprise the party ended having a DJ and about 100 or so people show up. It was like a disco in this back yard. It was alot of fun, however, I got asked about 50 times if I was cold because I was wearing my sandals. It’s hilarious. I have noted this before, but the Chileans are not very resistant to a little cold. The rest of this night, when ever asked where I was from I would respond 'Friolandia' because apparently wherever that is, it’s colder than Chile.
At the end of the week, Clare came over from Viña to join me in my gringo invasion of Santiago. We scoured the whole city. In Santiago, the time was defined by riding the metro (subway). Clare and I rode that thing all over the city, getting off at random stops and walking the streets. I told her I was the tour guide and that I always knew where we were. hehe We passed the days beating the streets and then danced the nights away. Clare, being a much practiced dancer in various disciplines is obviously very good. I, being a gringo white boy with no rhythm am not so good. However, I do love to dance and I’m certainly not afraid. So, that coupled with Clare's ability we were able to have some fun.
Because I did not know exactly when I was going to be returning to Concepcion, nor from what point, I did not buy my return ticket until Saturday, the day before I came home. Being as it was a holiday weekend there were not many options. So, I ended up buying the bus equivalent of a first class plane ticket because that was all that was available. (The long distance bus industry is quite large and popular here. There are many companies and three levels of service. The most basic or 'clasico' is just a normal bus with normal greyhound type seats. The next level is semi-cama, and then full cama. Cama means bed. Anyway the semi-cama and cama flavors are usually on the same bus. The semis are on the second level of the double deck and the fulls are on the first level. The semi is basically a regular seat that reclines a little farther and has a leg rest thing you can pull down so that your lower legs are supported. The full is a bigger seat and really soft, much like a first class seat on an airplane. It reclines almost all of the way and also has the leg support thing.) So, I rode in high comfort back to Concepcion watching movies and sleeping!
I had a great time over the past two weeks discovering all types of new things in my new country. I hope all is amazing on your end too. I think about you guys often and I appreciate your support. Abrazos y besos para todos. Chao!!
D
Ps. Check out the following photo album of the adventure….
I decided to 'aprovechar' the long weekend we just had in observance of Labor Day. And when I say take advantage of, I mean it. We had school off this past Thursday and Friday, so I decided to leave on my vacation two Tuesdays prior. For those I just confused, we didn't have school the 1st and 2nd and I left on the 22nd of April.
First stop was Viña del Mar to visit the girls that accompanied me to Argentina about a month ago. Due to Clare's (my friend from Montana) high tolerance and her landlord’s generosity, I was able to stay with her for free.
When I arrived, Clare took me to the local farmers market to buy food for the week. I was a bit overwhelmed in the beginning, but ended up leaving with bundles of fresh fruit and vegetables without much money spent. I was then introduced to the Viña lifestyle as we proceeded to drink wine and watch the sun set over the pacific. Clare lives atop a hill in Viña with an amazing view of the ocean and the city below. Before the jealousy of her lifestyle could set in, we were off to a discotech in Valparaiso. Valparaiso is an important port city in Chile. It has very cool architecture using the whole rainbow of colors. It is built on the side of a hill like San Francisco and shares the same kinds of vibes. This night we did not explore much of Valparaiso, but I got a better introduction a few days later.
Viña del Mar is a touristy city that hugs the Pacific Ocean. In the summer, it is filled with people from all over the world. Although there were not many tourists while I was there (out of season) it was very evident that the town caters to them. McDonalds, the mall and other things gringo were seen everywhere.
I must note that for each city I have spent time in here in Chile, the experience has sorta been defined by the type of transportation utilized. For example, in Concepcion, I walk almost everywhere. I have only ridden the bus one time and a colectivo two times. In Viña it was defined by riding in colectivos. (Colectivos are like taxis but they follow a certain route.) We also rode some micros, but due to where Clare lives, high up on the hill, it’s either walking or taking a colectivo. It was an adventure getting around when I was alone in Viña. For example, one night Clare stayed in and I went out parting with Laura (the other friend that went to Argentina.) At the end of the night and probably a little too much pisco drank, I found myself jogging down the side walk in Viña until I happened across the necessary colectivo…
Viña was super fun and I was hosted excellently.
The next stop was Santiago. I arrived on Monday the 28th. I have two Chilean friends whom studied at the UM last year. I again was lucky to stay with one of them for free. I had originally planned on staying in Santiago for only a couple of days and then head to Argentina, but for a combination of reasons that did not happen. However, my friends showed me a great time. One night, we went to the house of my friend Paulo's cousin for a BBQ and party. Much to my surprise the party ended having a DJ and about 100 or so people show up. It was like a disco in this back yard. It was alot of fun, however, I got asked about 50 times if I was cold because I was wearing my sandals. It’s hilarious. I have noted this before, but the Chileans are not very resistant to a little cold. The rest of this night, when ever asked where I was from I would respond 'Friolandia' because apparently wherever that is, it’s colder than Chile.
At the end of the week, Clare came over from Viña to join me in my gringo invasion of Santiago. We scoured the whole city. In Santiago, the time was defined by riding the metro (subway). Clare and I rode that thing all over the city, getting off at random stops and walking the streets. I told her I was the tour guide and that I always knew where we were. hehe We passed the days beating the streets and then danced the nights away. Clare, being a much practiced dancer in various disciplines is obviously very good. I, being a gringo white boy with no rhythm am not so good. However, I do love to dance and I’m certainly not afraid. So, that coupled with Clare's ability we were able to have some fun.
Because I did not know exactly when I was going to be returning to Concepcion, nor from what point, I did not buy my return ticket until Saturday, the day before I came home. Being as it was a holiday weekend there were not many options. So, I ended up buying the bus equivalent of a first class plane ticket because that was all that was available. (The long distance bus industry is quite large and popular here. There are many companies and three levels of service. The most basic or 'clasico' is just a normal bus with normal greyhound type seats. The next level is semi-cama, and then full cama. Cama means bed. Anyway the semi-cama and cama flavors are usually on the same bus. The semis are on the second level of the double deck and the fulls are on the first level. The semi is basically a regular seat that reclines a little farther and has a leg rest thing you can pull down so that your lower legs are supported. The full is a bigger seat and really soft, much like a first class seat on an airplane. It reclines almost all of the way and also has the leg support thing.) So, I rode in high comfort back to Concepcion watching movies and sleeping!
I had a great time over the past two weeks discovering all types of new things in my new country. I hope all is amazing on your end too. I think about you guys often and I appreciate your support. Abrazos y besos para todos. Chao!!
D
Ps. Check out the following photo album of the adventure….
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